Townsville student takes top prize in Art Awards

Independent Education Union Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT

A local Townsville student was honoured at last night’s Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards.

Penelope Kempster from Annandale Christian College in Townsville topped the Years 5 and 6 category with her artwork, titled Reflection.

Art and Design Awards reviewer Jennifer Chaplin said Penelope’s piece was outstanding.

“It’s a reflective artwork that sits in the present looking to the future, with beautiful use of colours and tones,” Jennifer said.

“There is skilful manipulation of mixed media to create a visionary work from a young artist,” she said.

The annual Art Awards were established in 1994 to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.

At last night’s presentation, held at the Kangaroo Point Multicultural Centre, Awardees’ artworks were displayed in an exhibition and recipients were presented with certificates and a cash prize.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the reviewers were wowed by the quality of the over 600 submissions across all age groups in response to the 2024 theme of ‘Growing Up’.

“The reviewers commented on the high standard of entries and the varied and creative interpretations that entrants brought to this year’s theme,” Mr Burke said.

“Our union established the Awards to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.

“Art is a very important area of learning in schools, and IEU-QNT is proud to support the artistic talent of students and staff in the Queensland and Northern Territory non-government sector,” he said.

/Public Release.